Grease is the word as Thea dances into her dream job
AYOUNG dancer is living the dream, touring alongside stars Peter Andre and Strictly Come Dancing’s Ola Jordan in a UK tour of musical production Grease.
Thea Bunting, from Rochdale, began dancing at Turners Dance Studio when she was just eight, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, who were both dancers.
She went on to attend Pendleton Sixth Form Centre in Salford, before she began auditioning for drama schools in London.
Thea, 22, successfully won a place at prestigious Doreen Bird College of Dance, Music and Theatre Performance in Brexley, and at the end of her three years there, achieved an agent, and began her auditions for Grease.
Thea said: “My mum put me into one dance class, but I got the bug.
“It was never planned for me to do it as my job but it fell into place and I never want to do anything else. It’s been crazy.”
Thea attended a week of auditions for Grease, before she got a call asking if she wanted to take the job.
She now dances as part of the ensemble, and also plays some of the lead characters, a member of the Pink Ladies, Jan, and cheerleader Patty.
Thea added: “I was overwhelmed. I have always loved what I do but it’s very surreal to do what you love as a job.
“There’s a lot of talented people who want to do it.”
Speaking about her role, Thea said: “It’s super fun.
“We do about eight shows a week on average and we change locations each week.
“It’s very busy. It’s very tiring, but the rewards that it gives and the love for it makes it worth it.”
Thea added that she misses home when she is away, as she lives with her boyfriend in London, but her family in Rochdale are very supportive and come to see her shows a lot.
Discussing working with Peter Andre, she said: “He is one of the most lovely people I’ve ever worked with.
“He’s so down to earth. He really fits in with everyone and he’s very talented.
“For someone who has that sort of following and fame, he’s a great attribute to the show.
“It’s nice for someone to come in and make you feel equal.”
Thea will be touring with Grease until October, after which she will take up another “dream job” which she is not yet able to announce.